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Helioterra Wines 2020 Melon de Bourgogne
For the love of the land
How did a gal from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, grow up to become one of Oregon’s most celebrated winemakers?
Growing up on the shores of Lake Michigan, Anne Ebenreiter Hubatch felt a deep connection to the land around her. In college, she studied geology with an eye toward becoming an environmental policy wonk. She started down that path as a political organizer and environmental activist.
But politics doesn’t often come with tangible results, and as Anne says, “it’ll drive you to drink!”
Soon enough, her passion for the land found its expression in her hands – as a winemaker. After several years of working for well-known wineries in the Willamette Valley, Anne struck out on her own and launched her own label and her first vintage in 2009.
In addition to her wine labels, Whoa Nelly! and Helioterra, Anne is also the creative force behind Alter Ego, an urban Portland cidery.
Cellar 503 Tasting Notes
Helioterra Wines, Portland, Oregon
2020 Melon de Bourgogne
Melon de Bourgogne. A glorious white wine from France’s Loire Valley, Melon is rare on this side of the Atlantic — grown only in the province of Ontario, up on Washington’s Bainbridge Island, and in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
In Oregon, it’s developed a cult following, and no wonder, as the French consider Melon to be the best wine on the planet to pair with seafood.
At Helioterra, Anne makes this wine in two different ways. This version is made in a combination of neutral oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. The other? In a concrete egg. If you ever have a chance to taste them side by side, you should!
This 2020 Melon has a unique blend of crisp and tropical flavors. Bursting with pineapple, honeydew, and sea salt this wine is perfect for raw oysters, seafood, and rich creamy dishes!
In Oregon, 2020 may be remembered for wildfires and high winds but Anne says she will remember 2020 as a short vintage yielding beautiful high acid wines.
A Cellar 503 selection in December 2021, Wines for the Holidays Willamette Valley | Melon de Bourgogne
